Full house for Castlebar Chamber’s inaugural Accelerate event

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever Accelerate event drew a capacity crowd to Breaffy House Resort on Wednesday, September 3, marking a major milestone for the town’s growing business community.

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The evening attracted business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across Castlebar and Mayo, with a strong line-up of speakers delivering insights on leadership, innovation, and resilience. Broadcaster and entrepreneur Ivan Yates, economist Jim Power, and Oonagh O’Hagan, Managing Director of Meagher’s Pharmacy Group, headlined the event.

They were joined by a panel of leaders with deep ties to the region, including John O’Shea of Meissner, Dr. Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University (ATU), and Noel Brett of the Revenue Commissioners.

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Chamber President Anne Conlon said the event showcased the ambition and energy within Castlebar’s business community:

“Accelerate was about celebrating the ambition of our local businesses while also giving them access to new ideas, fresh thinking, and valuable connections. The energy in the room showed just how strong Castlebar’s business community has become. This is only the beginning.”

The Chamber, which has grown rapidly over the past two years to become one of Ireland’s largest regional Chambers, credited the success of the event to strong local support.

Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Aontú TD Paul Lawless were among representatives from Mayo County Council and councillors in attendance, while Breaffy House Resort provided a fitting venue for the high-profile gathering.

Organisers confirmed that Accelerate will now become an annual event, further cementing Castlebar’s position as a centre of enterprise, collaboration, and growth.

For businesses not yet involved, the Chamber extended an open invitation to join and become part of its expanding network.